Supercomputer making inroads to Nepal

A supercomputer will soon make its way to Nepal. The supercomputer, first of its kind, is to be brought into the country from India.

"The supercomputer is expected to arrive in the capital within next two months," Mahesh Man Shrestha, Secretary at the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), told The Kathmandu Post.

Shrestha added that the supercomputer would be coming to Nepal from India as per the Programme of Co-operation signed between the ministries of both the countries in the field of science and technology. However, he did not give details about the type of supercomputer. "We still do not know the details about its type," said Shrestha.

Supercomputer is a highly powerful computer for processing a large number of data, in specific numerical prediction. It is basically useful for research works. The necessary training required to operate the computer will be provided by India.

The supercomputer would be accessible to all. It will be used in areas like forestry, agriculture, research on physics, biology, remote sensing and during the national census. However, it is still not clear on where the computer will be kept.

"Specifically the computer would be used by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology for weather predictions," said Shrestha. Quick information processing with accuracy will be achieved through the use of the supercomputer. "After link up with the Indian satellite (INSAT) the supercomputer will be useful providing better, accurate and up-to-date weather forecasting."

However, scientists fear that the supercomputer might end up like giving a laptop to a rural kid.
"A lot of homework needs to be done so that optimal results are gained," said Rishi Shah, a senior scientist. " It cannot just be stacked away somewhere."

"The supercomputer is arriving soon, therefore the Ministry must devise a plan for training manpower required for that," added Shah. "For optimum utilisation of the computer, arrangement have to be made," said Shrestha.

It is worth noting that the present technological manpower in Nepal is still in young stage. And it has not been many years when Nepal produced its first batch of IT graduates. Moreover, the IT postgraduates are yet to pass out from the Tribhuvan University.

Lochan Lal Shrestha, Presidetnt of Computer Association of Nepal (CAN) said that the necessary software also needs to come with the supercomputer. "For day to day maintenance of the computer, enhancement training for the existing manpower is also necessary," he added. "Supercomputer is a matter of pride for Nepal which will help boost the Nepali IT industry."